Wednesday, 7 November 2012

How to decorate a high ledge in a front foyer

Sometimes my job is made a little more challenging in the way room layouts are designed & where structural elements are placed. These slight obstacles force me to expand my way of thinking and get extra creative so I say bring it on!

In this posting I am going to address how to decorate the ledge often found in foyers above the front door below a high window. (this window is usually similar to a palladian style) What should be done with this empty, hard to reach space that can be seen at different levels of the home?

One of my subscribers wrote in with this dilemma in decorating their own high ledge:

"Whatever is placed on the ledge needs to be as attractive from below as it is from above. Small pieces of pottery get lost due to distance, but large pieces could get 'clunky' - I want to keep it clean and simple - which is also difficult. Thanks! "

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This is the picture Chris sent to me.

Chris brings up a great point in accessorising overall. Balancing the size of the items in relation to the size of the space & the height of the ceiling are key to getting it right.

Before placing decorative items in this sort of space at all, think about whether you want this area to become a focal point in your front entrance or play a more subtle role.

This picture (above) shows three items placed to the side of the window on the ledge in the corner. These objects all: vary in height; are different shapes; and provide textural interest. Although we can't see how tall the window is, they've got the right idea of layering the accessories without overdoing it.

Below is a ledge adorned with items that are quite small in scale where everything stands alone.

I like the idea of using a room divider and a tall plant for height in the picture below, however I would place the greenery in the right corner to balance this vignette. I would like to see this entire space though as the walls below both have artwork and there may be too much going on altogether.

The light fixture itself could be quite interesting on its own & the view out the window looks calming and pretty. Think about whether you need fill up this space at all.

The 'ting' and fake florals are more busy and distracting than anything else.

Extra attention has been drawn to this ledge because the wall has been painted in a highly contrasting and bold colour. It's important to remember that an accent wall is given its' name because it is meant to 'accent' something. Do you want this to be the star of your front entrance?

Here is the same foyer but with slightly different accessories. Looking at the layout I prefer this one as oppose to the first because it is more balanced and less busy. I also like the idea of the back light, but would suggest a smaller one so the light fixture itself is less obvious.

Window treatments could be customised to fit this style of window but the only option I would suggest is a custom blind (as above) as it will offer the cleanest and most tailored look. But unless privacy was an issue I recommend leaving the window uncovered & letting the light pour in.

Below is one of the best ideas I found that indirectly relates to decorating a ledge in a front entrance.

Adorning high walls with various pictures and creating your own art gallery takes the focus off of the barren ledge. The lighting provides even greater detail that doesn't go unnoticed. This is a classic designer trick that shifts the focus from one place by bringing drama to another.

The idea of adding mill work to give the ledge a more defined look and purpose is another option.